Download Spinal Compression Fracture

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Spinal Compression Fracture Repair and Rehabilitation
Surgical Indications and Considerations
Anatomical Considerations: Compression fractures are characterized by anterior compression of
the vertebral body. Posterior elements of the vertebral body my also be involved but the
posterior body remains intact.
Pathogenesis: Spinal compression fractures are caused by axial loading on a flexed spine. The
most common pathology behind these fractures is osteoporosis. Compression fractures are a
major contributor to both the substantial morbidity and the cost associated with osteoporosis.
The spinal deformity caused by vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), whether painful or not,
has significant impact on the longevity and quality of life of VCF patients. Compression of the
abdominal viscera by the rib cage or loss of lumber spine height leads to decreased appetite,
early satiety and weight loss. Similarly, thoracic hyperkyphosis compresses the lungs and results
in a reduction of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Additionally
these patients may suffer from chronic pain, sleep disorders, clinical depression, and anxiety.
Epidemiology: The number of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (700,000) per year
easily outnumbers fractures of the hip and ankle combined. The five-year survival rate for a
patient with a vertebral body compression fracture is lower than an individual with a hip fracture.
Patients with VCF have a 23% increased risk of mortality compared to aged matched controls
without VCF. The increased mortality is primarily related to pulmonary complications.
Mortality increases with the number of fractures and the degree of kyphosis. After the first
compression fracture, the risk of additional vertebral fractures increases 5 to 25 times above
baseline. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are associated with debilitating
psychological effects, including impaired body image and self esteem. The percentage of
women with clinical depression increases with number of spinal fracture deformities. Patients
report a fear of falling, further fracture and a loss of independence. Additionally, patients with
increasing numbers of VCF demonstrate decreased functional status as recorded in physical
function tests.
Diagnosis:
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A spinal compression fracture can be readily diagnosed on plain radiographs and with
computed tomography
The pain associated with the fracture is typically localized at the apex of the fracture
MRI may be used to assist in differentiation between acute and chronic fractures
Nonoperative Versus Operative Management: Open surgical intervention in this frail
population, with osteoporotic spinal compression fractures, is fraught with morbidity and
implant failure. Therefore, nonoperative management including narcotic pain medication, bed
rest and bracing has been historically recommended for the vast majority of patients.
Traditionally surgery has been limited to those who have neurologic complications.
Loma Linda University and University of Pacific Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
Joe Godges DPT, MA, OCS
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Unfortunately, large numbers of patients report intractable pain and an inability to return to their
prior level of function. The recommended and frequently self imposed bed rest leads to
accelerated bone mineral loss and diminishing muscle mass, which exacerbates the disease
process and increases the risk of additional fractures. Neurological deficits often develop
months after the index fracture, as the spinal cord drapes over the apex of the deformity. When
neurologic complications occur, open surgical intervention is usually an anterior decompression
and fusion, coupled with posterior instrumentation and fusion. However, two new noninvasive
techniques (first used in the United States in 1993) offer rapid pain relief and return to routine
activities through percutaneous bone augmentation: vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.
Surgical Procedure: The noninvasive surgical techniques of percutaneous vertebroplasty and
balloon kyphoplasty both internally stabilize the fractured vertebral body through injection of
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and are typically performed within three months of the
fracture. Both procedures are performed with imaging guidance in the radiology suite or
operating room and can be done under local anesthesia with conscious sedation, or with general
anesthetic. Kyphoplasty is distinctly different from vertebroplasty by its ability to reduce the
fracture using an inflatable balloon tamp to create a void within the vertebral body that allows
for injection of PMMA in a thick, doughy state under low pressure, thereby reducing the risk of
emboli and extrusion outside the vertebral body. Theoretically, kyphoplasty should have longterm benefits beyond those of pain relief provided by vertebroplasty by avoiding the pulmonary
and gastrointestinal complications through improved spinal alignment.
Preoperative Rehabilitation
• Pain management with narcotics
• Bracing and instruction on body mechanics
• Appropriate treatment for the underlying osteoporosis
POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION
Treatment Goals: The goals of nonoperative and operative management of vertebral
compression fractures are the same and include the restoration of a painless, balanced, stable
spinal column with optimal neurologic function and minimal treatment morbidity.
Following a vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty the patient is instructed to remain supine for 1 hour to
allow the cement to harden. Observation in the hospital for 1 to 2 hours post procedure is
typical, at which time most patients will be able to stand and walk with minimal or no pain.
Some practitioners request a physical therapy consult for patients on the day of surgery to assist
in early mobilization, as necessary, and for the instruction of body mechanics to avoid heavy
lifting, bending and twisting. Early return to daily activities is encouraged.
Loma Linda University and University of Pacific Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
Joe Godges DPT, MA, OCS
3
All osteoporotic patients with VCFs should have an appropriate evaluation and treatment of their
underlying osteoporosis. Medical management can include medications to increase bone mineral
density and physical therapy can assist in establishing an appropriate strengthening and weight
bearing exercise program to stimulate an increase in bone density. If the compression fracture is
secondary to a fall, the patient’s balance systems also need to be addressed.
Selected References:
Sinaki M, Itoi E, et al. Stronger back muscles reduce the incidence of vertebral fractures: a
prospective 10 year follow-up of postmenopausal women. Bone. 2002:30:836-841.
Mathis JM, Eckel TS, et al. Percutaneous vertebroplasty: a therapeutic option for pain associated
with vertebral compression fracture. J of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 1999:13:1117.
Harrington KD. Major neurological complications following percutaneous vertebroplasty with
polymethylmethacrylate. J Bone Joint Surg. 2001:83-A:1070-1073.
Theodorou DJ, Theodorou SJ, et al. Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for the correction of
spinal deformity in painful vertebral body compression fractures. Clinical Imaging. 2002:26:15.
Truumees E, Hilibrand A, et al. Percutaneous vertebral augmentation. Spine Journal.
2004:4:218-229.
Garfin SR, Reilley MA. Minimally invasive treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body
compression fractures. Spine Journal. 2002:2:76-80.
Predey TA, Sewall LE, et al. Percutaneous vertebroplasty: new treatment for vertebral
compression fractures. American Family Physician. 2002:66:611-616.
Dai L. Low lumbar spinal fractures: management options. Injury. 2002:33:579-582.
Crandall D, Slaughter D, et al. Acute versus chronic vertebral compression fractures treated with
kyphoplasty: early results. Spine Journal. 2004:4:418-424.
Vaccaro AR, Kim DH, et al. Diagnosis and management of thoracolumbar spine fractures. J
Bone Joint Surg. 2003:85-A:2455-2470.
Loma Linda University and University of Pacific Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
Joe Godges DPT, MA, OCS